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Kodak and Uteco team up on digital flexible packaging press

Kodak recently launched a digital flexible packaging press, in partnership with Uteco. The Sapphire EVO W is the first flexible packaging press using Kodak’s latest continuous inkjet technology. The Uteco Sapphire EVO W is the company’s second product developed in partnership with Kodak for digital flexible packaging production.

Kodak first unveiled the flexible packaging press late last year, with the intention of launching at drupa 2020. The company says the Sapphire EVO W is now available worldwide, and the first installation will take place later this year for a U.S. customer.

“The Sapphire EVO W is the first digital packaging press to match the productivity of flexo and the quality of gravure,” said Randy Vandagriff, senior vice president, digital print, Eastman Kodak Company. “It uses our high-resolution Ultrastream inkjet technology and QD Packaging Inks to bring the endless opportunities of digital printing into mainstream production of flexible packaging.”

The press can print flexible packaging applications on plastic films and paper. It prints CMYK inkjet at 600 x 1800 dpi across 49.2 in print width, at speeds of up to 500 feet/minute. The press is available with in-line priming, flexo-white and post coating and a hot air/IR drying system. Used with the Sapphire EVO, water-based Kodak Prosper Press QD Packaging Inks have been certified for indirect food contact.